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Steve Park Post Race Report - Gateway
Steve Park arrived at Gateway International Raceway eager to collect the victory that he felt should have been his in 2004 when a late race transmission problem dropped him from contention.
And while he may have to wait for another day to cash in on that one that got away, his 13th-place finish in Friday night's Dodge Ram Tough 300 was exactly what he needed to get his season turned around.
The one-day show made for frantic times but after the morning practice sessions the Casino Queen crew performed major reconstructive surgery on the front suspencion components of the No. 62 Dodge in an effort to maximize their performance under competition.
Park responded with a 22nd place qualifying effort, his best starting position since the season opener at Daytona.
Crew Chief Charlie Wilson utilized air pressure adjustments to dial in their Dodge and from the moment the green flag dropped Park made steady forward progress through the field.
A late race caution gave Park one last hope for a top 10 finish but a dust up between drivers towards the front of the field sent the drivers behind them scrambling for control rather than racing for position.
When the dust cleared, Park had secured his 13th place finish and took one step up the points ladder to 15th overall.
Park and Company will have a week to regroup as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series sits idle next weekend in observance of Mother's Day.
Race #6 of the 2005 season is scheduled for May 15th at Mansfield Motorsports Speedway.
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